The Dos And Don’ts Of Junior Year

I get it. Sophomore year was fun since there was nothing to really worry about; you felt established in the way high school works. Well, now that’s over and a piece of the real world awaits you. I’m about to drop a few do’s and don’ts on you when it comes your junior year. Don’t worry, you can trust me. I was able to get through my junior year maintaining a 4.1 GPA. I won’t steer you wrong. Check out my advice below:

Let’s start with things that you should DO during junior year. 

1. Take your classes seriously. Junior year is the most important year of your high school career, because it’s the year that colleges look at when considering whether or not you should be admitted.
2. If your school offers AP classes you should definitely try to take at least one or two. Colleges like to see that a student is able to do well in a rigorous course. This will not only help your GPA but it will allow you to look like a well rounded student.
3. Begin to prepare for the SAT or ACT. These tests are very important if you haven’t already taken a practice test you should probably start, so that you can become familiar with the content. Khan Academy is a legit lifesaver. The website offers not only free full SAT practice tests, but also offers SAT content to practice whether it be in math or reading.
4. Junior year is a very tough year that can become emotionally and mentally draining. At some point I highly advise finding someone that you can vent to about your feelings, whether that be a parent, teacher, or a close friend. It’s good to know that you have someone in which you can confide in during tough situations.
5. I can’t stress this enough, but STUDY, STUDY, STUDY!!! Junior year isn’t a year in which you can put little to no effort in and get by. Studying is highly important if you plan to do well. This allows you to get a taste of what college life will be like academically when you have to decide to sit down and hit the books.

DON’T make your junior year harder than what it has to be by doing the following:

1. Don’t get into relationships during your junior year. I’m telling you now, it probably won’t work out simply because junior year is the busiest school year you will have in high school. Getting into a new relationship won’t allow you to focus on your schoolwork.
2. Don’t stress too deeply about schoolwork. Yes, it’s important to care about classes and schoolwork but your health is also very important. No amount of schoolwork should push you to the verge of tears.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes you won’t know how to solve everything and that’s fine, no one should expect you to. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed talk to someone you believe can help you.

Despite junior year being tough it’s worth it. It not only prepares you for college but you’re able to see just how capable you are of handling a tough situation. I hope this was helpful and that you do well.

By Monique Petty-Ashmeade, Senior, Brooks College Prep

Twitter: @writerinthedakr